Three's Company' turns deadly in Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

By GLORIA HAYES KREMER, For Journal Register News Service

Thursday, March 7, 2013

For a real picker-upper during this bleak, frigid winter, there are lots of laughs — and a gourmet dinner — at the latest Murder Mystery Dinner Theater in the Peddler’s Pub at the Cock ’n Bull in Lahaska.

Opened a few weeks ago, and playing Friday and Saturday nights through June, “Three’s Deadly Company” is a farce based on the popular television show “Three’s Company” (March l977 to September 1984), with a comic twist — one of the main characters will be killed. Heavens! ... And it was such a harmless, pleasant show!

Not only does the audience enjoy the bizarre antics of the cast members…but they also participate in trying to guess who the murderer is.

The evening begins as guests congregate in the lobby, greeted by a cast member who escorts them down to the Pub. As they are seated at tables of either six or eight, the gregarious cast begins conversing with the arriving guests. The production is targeted to mature audiences, and although the show is quite wholesome, children under 18 are not permitted to attend.

We meet the cast which features Chrissy Winter (Sarah Gafgen), for whom a birthday party is being planned. Chrissy, more than a little ditzy, shares an apartment with her friend, Jane Halfwit (Michela Bird), who is really the smarter one of the two. She is, however, quite jealous of “dumb blondes” and is tired of standing in Chrissy’s shadow all these years.

The third roommate is Jack Ripper (Joel Summer), who is always tripping over something — but occasionally has eyes for Chrissy. The platonic relationship among the three sometimes gets a bit complicated.

The landlord, Mr. Reaper (David Micun), is a huge football fan, which keeps him occupied and helps him avoid his wife. Mrs. Reaper (Debbie Bello) is rather a colorful den mother in her flowing mumu gowns. She is an avid mystery book reader and is obsessed with rumors of a nefarious killer loose in the neighborhood.

Can there be a link to the murder that will soon follow?

Several songs are performed during the evening, but the most enthusiastic response occurs as several audience members are invited onstage to join the cast in more corny shenanigans.

The planning for the birthday celebration is suddenly stopped!

Chrissy is discovered …. murdered! — by a knife!

Who could have done this foul deed?

The plot unfolds between courses of the dinner prepared by the Cock ’n Bull and served by a friendly waitstaff.

After the actors have argued about who the culprit could be, they retire — temporarily — and audience members are invited to fill out a ballot making a “stab” at who the murderer could be.

Peddler’s Village, in Bucks County, is a re-created 18th century-style village landscaped through 42 acres of picturesque winding brick pathways.

Seventy specialty shops are spread throughout the complex

Six restaurants offer a diversity of cuisines, including Earl’s, farm-to-table dishes changing with the seasons; the popular Cock ’n Bull; and the newest, Buttonwood Grill, featuring signature burgers and craft beers.

All three dining venues will have special Mother’s Day brunches and dinners on May 12.

The 70-room Golden Plough Inn is ideal for overnight guests. Accommodations are spread throughout the village; some rooms and suites have fireplaces and terraces. Families love the Giggleberry Fair, with its variety of amusements for youngsters.

The Village offers 11 seasonal festivals and events, with several discount packages available.